UQSPIA CLASS OF 2017 ALUM
Edmond Junior Bate'e - Solomon Islander
Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours Class IIA), majoring in Ecology
"I started at the University of Queensland in second semester 2013. It was the most challenging but rewarding four year journey of my life. Fresh from the Solomon Islands, I had no clue of the type of challenges life in Australia as an international student would bring. My first two years at UQ was really difficult and dreadful.
However the University of Queensland South Pacific Islander Association (UQSPIA) has transformed my experience into an exciting and memorable one. Without UQSPIA, I wouldn’t be so rich in knowledge about the pacific that I’ve gained from meeting the diverse people within UQSPIA.
UQSPIA has given me a family away from home for the past three years. They really helped ease not only my harsh UQ life but also transformed me both academically and socially. UQSPIA has helped me step out of my shell and grow as an individual. I have learned a great deal of knowledge that I would not have learnt by going to lectures or tutes!
The friends that I have met through SPIA, was the highlight of my time in UQ. They were the reason why my UQ experience will be an unforgettable one. The times we had shared together and the memories we have made will last a lifetime.
With my environmental science degree, I hope to go back to my country and help contribute to its environmental wellbeing. I aspire to get a job with the ministry of environment, however would love to further my studies in the future in postgraduate studies. I believe education is for life and I plan to never stop learning. Why stop at a degree level."
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